Dry Cut Saw vs. Abrasive Blade Chop Saw

[flingwing1969]

I wasn't sure where to put this post but I thought this was as good as any, since there is no tool or shop forum.

Anyway, I purchased an Ironman 14" dry cut metal saw from Northern Tool. I cannot say enough good about this saw compared to using the chop saw I've had and used for years. It is fast, exceedingly clean cutting, and leaves your work piece comfortable to touch immediately after the cut - so the metal itself is unaffected by the cut (except being shorter, of course).

I also have and use the circular saw dry cut metal blades on sheet goods, like roofing panels and I love it. For roofing, the shavings are cool enough that they don't melt into the paint on the roof panel so later rusting is not an issue.

If you haven't tried a dry cut saw, you really need to and the price is pretty good - $239 including the $80 blade and shipping. I just got done cutting a 1" piece of round stock on the saw in fewer than 15 seconds and could immediately grab the cut end which looked as if it had just been polished.

Abrasive chop saw VS Dry Cut saw - YouTube

 

[newbury]

But I think the sparks are attractive and tell me what metal I'm cutting

 

[flingwing1969]

But I think the sparks are attractive and tell me what metal I'm cutting

Sure. I also do a spark test on my grinder if I don't know what it is I'm cutting. But the speed, smoothness, cool cut are stunning.

 

[tomplum]

Yep, I have the older version of the Northern dry cut. Not perfect, but way happier to use than an abrasive saw.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Bought one and loved everything except for the squareness of the cut. No matter what I did it would cut at an angle. Going to order an evolution and try it

Brett

 

[flingwing1969]

Bought one and loved everything except for the squareness of the cut. No matter what I did it would cut at an angle. Going to order an evolution and try it

Brett

Odd. I cut all the angles for my metal shop with mine on rectangular tubing and they were all true.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Odd. I cut all the angles for my metal shop with mine on rectangular tubing and they were all true.

The bed was level, best I could figure out was the motor has a little twist to it. I’d get the material in there and put a level on it to make sure it was true. Make the cut and low and behold it was at an angle

Brett

 

[flingwing1969]

The bed was level, best I could figure out was the motor has a little twist to it. I’d get the material in there and put a level on it to make sure it was true. Make the cut and low and behold it was at an angle

Brett

Wonder if the blade is flexing?

 

[MickeyDBC]

If you don't try to push the blade past when it is dulling by overheating the blade, you can resharpen them numerous times. Woodcraft here would send them out and it would cost about $25 and they would be sharper than new.

 

[AWSubie]

Bought one and loved everything except for the squareness of the cut. No matter what I did it would cut at an angle. Going to order an evolution and try it

Brett

I was looking at the Evolution as well but then I saw this youtube review and decided against it EVOLUTION RAGE 2 SAW REVIEW! SPOILER: It kinda sucks... - YouTube I think I am going to save a bit longer for a Trajan or similar quality saw.